NEW SERVICE TO ENSURE DEAF PEOPLE GET THE SAFETY MESSAGE
A NEW text messaging service has been launched by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service to make it easier for deaf and speech-impaired residents to book potentially life-saving safety checks.
The new scheme has been developed to make sure that the Service's Home Safety Assessment (HSA) programme, which offers fire safety advice and free smoke alarms, can be accessed by all sections of the community.
To use the service people just have to text HSA and their name and address to 07624 808 300. Users will then get a receipt to confirm their request has been received and afterwards a text to say when the assessment will be carried out.
"While we intend to offer every household in Cheshire, Halton and Warrington a free HSA over the next few years, we want to make it as easy as possible for those who are more at risk to contact us." said Head of Communications Tim Bevington.
"Text messaging can be an important means of communication for people who are hard of hearing or have speech impairments and we will be encouraging local support groups to publicise the service to their members."
The move has been welcomed by Cheshire's Deafness Support Network. Chair Philip Brown said he was delighted to see the text service being launched, adding: "It's wonderful and will help ensure greater equality."
More about the new SMS text facility
The Service has a range of safety advice and equipment to help vulnerable people, including specialist smoke alarms systems designed to alert those with hearing difficulties.
